Estate Planning
Are Estate Distributions Taxable?
Inherited money is generally not taxable at the federal level, but estate taxes may apply to high-value estates, and certain states impose inheritance taxes.
Estate Planning
Your retirement, your assets, and your health are too important to not legally protect yourself.
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Estate Planning
What is an Irrevocable Trust? Should I Set One Up?
An irrevocable trust holds your assets safely until after you’ve passed, but you can’t change or cancel the trust once it’s in place. Learn about how to set one up.
Estate Planning
Estate Tax: Definition, Tax Rates and Who Pays
When someone dies, assets are typically passed on to survivors. In most cases, those assets are exempt from taxation, but that’s not always the case.
Estate Planning
When Should I Put My House in a Trust?
A trust is a great way to protect assets from probate and creditors, but putting your house in a trust can be a bad idea for some homeowners. Learn more.
Estate Planning
5 Keys to Leaving a Lasting Legacy
A legacy is the lasting impression a person has on the world. The goal of creating a lasting legacy is to ensure that after you’re gone, you’ll be remembered.
Estate Planning
How Do I Create a Will?
Creating a will is one of the most important things an adult can do to help protect their families and loved ones. Here’s how to create a will for yourself.
Estate Planning
How to Distribute Trust Assets to Beneficiaries
As you set up a trust, it’s important to consider how you want funds distributed to beneficiaries. You have options, including transferring all at once or over time.
Estate Planning
How to Create a Trust: Types & Considerations
A trust allows you to earmark assets so that they shift to beneficiaries in the future. There are some steps you’ll have to take to ensure it’s legal. Learn more.
Estate Planning
Living Will vs. Last Will & Testament
Estate planning often includes creating both a living will and a last will and testament, both of which are very important, but different, documents. Learn more.
Estate Planning
Will vs. Trust: What's the Difference?
Learn all the major differences between wills and trust, the types of wills and trusts, and which is better for you, your estate, and your family.
Estate Planning
What is a Will and Why do I Need One?
Creating a will can seem overwhelming. These eight steps will walk you through the process of ensuring your will is effective and legal.
Estate Planning
What is Intestate?
Dying intestate means someone dies without having a valid and legal will in place. When that happens, the court decides how to distribute that person’s assets.
Estate Planning
What is an Estate?
The term “estate” refers to the overall financial value of a person’s assets at death, including owned property, jewelry, collectibles, and furnishings.
Estate Planning
Estate Planning Checklist: Things to Do Before You Die
If you died tomorrow, would your loved ones know how to distribute your assets? Estate planning can help you ensure your assets are distributed as you want.
Estate Planning
How to Perform the Duties of an Executor
If a loved one has died and named you executor of their estate, you have even more on your mind in a difficult time. Learn more about the duties.